Ian Macphail on Class, Activism, Covid & Moral Tension | Ianto: Wales & Beyond

Ian Macphail on Class, Activism, Covid & Moral Tension | Ianto: Wales & Beyond

In this episode of Ianto: Wales & Beyond, I sit down with Ian Macphail, activist from Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, North Wales, for a candid and deeply personal conversation. We explore Ian’s early life — origins, class, history, instinct and friction with authority — including time spent inside care and control systems and how those experiences shaped his worldview. From there, the discussion moves into activism and political movements, leadership, success and moral tension. We examine disillusionment within movements, cannabis activism, questions of compassion and ideology in trans care debates, and the cultural pressures around gender politics and silencing. We also discuss: • Covid and “the line I wouldn’t cross” • Allegations, warnings and withdrawal from public roles • The emotional cost of taking a stand • Where Ian stands now This is not a surface-level conversation. It is reflective, challenging and rooted in lived experience. The aim is dialogue — not division.

Harry Simmonds – Live Acoustic Sunday Session | Jazz, Folk & Ambient Piano

🎙️ This Sunday on Ianto: Wales & Beyond Singer-songwriter Harry Simmonds joins us for a special live acoustic session from his home studio — and it was a real privilege. Harry performs three unreleased original songs, due for release later this year. A beautiful blend of jazz and folk influences, delivered with warmth, honesty and depth. He also treats us to an ambient piano piece — spacious, reflective, and perfect for a relaxed Sunday atmosphere. Alongside the live performances, we talk about: • His journey into music from childhood • Becoming a music teacher • The writing process behind his songs • The discipline and vulnerability of creating original work • Building a career as an independent artist This episode captures exactly what our Sunday conversations are about — slowing down, listening deeply, and supporting authentic creative voices. If you enjoy discovering new music before the wider world does, this session is for you. Sit back. Relax. Let the music breathe.

Understanding Technology and Its Impact on Communities

The meeting covered an interview discussion between Ianto and Ian Jarvis about telecom technologies, particularly 5G implementation and its potential health and surveillance concerns. Ian shared his background transitioning from IT to activism, including his work on the Bhopal disaster and his current focus on opposing 5G mast installations through planning application objections. The conversation addressed legal challenges, inadequate risk assessments by councils, historical health impacts of electromagnetic fields, and resources available for community members to challenge telecom infrastructure deployments.

This Sunday – Dr. Aurore Henze | Body–Mind Health, Steiner & Spiritual Science

This Sunday on Ianto: Wales & Beyond, I’m joined by Dr. Aurore Henze — Ayurvedic doctor of natural health, author of six books, and long-time advocate for ethical healthcare. Dr. Henze is the author of the Beyond Natural Cures series, where she explores what she calls “real body-mind health” — a perspective that integrates emotional development, early childhood imprinting, trauma recovery, and energetic approaches to healing alongside natural medicine. Her work spans: • Ayurveda • Anthroposophy • Orgonomy (Wilhelm Reich) • Attachment psychology • Color and sound therapy • Natural birth and education • Holistic dental care • PTSD recovery • Spiritual science Her contributions to women’s health were cited in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, and she has spoken widely on ethical healthcare, informed consent, and the direction of modern medicine. She has also experienced deplatforming following her public health activism — a topic we discuss openly. 🧭 In This Conversation We Explore: • The body–mind connection beyond supplements • Trauma, attachment, and early childhood imprinting • Healing as art vs clinical science • Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf education & spiritual science • Parsifal and Arthurian archetypes • Penmaenmawr and the Druidic connection in Wales • Wilhelm Reich and orgonomy • Epochs, atavism and cultural cycles • US health politics and censorship • The ethical divide in healthcare This is not a surface-level conversation. It’s thoughtful, wide-ranging, and at times challenging. Whether you agree, question, or simply listen with curiosity — this episode is about examining ideas deeply and encouraging independent thought. 🎥 Full video drops Sunday 🎧 Audio available on Podbean 📺 Also available on YouTube and socials

Introduction to Activism in North Wales

Summary In this conversation, Matthew Ginsburg discusses his activism in North Wales, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He shares his views on the government's handling of the pandemic, the impact of 5G technology on health, and the role of media in shaping public perception. Ginsburg emphasises the importance of understanding cultural manipulation and social engineering, particularly regarding the younger generation. He also delves into topics such as geoengineering, conspiracy theories, and the future of society, urging listeners to take action against the perceived tyranny of the current system.